What’s happening
We are running a painting competition at GriffCon, and this package covers the general advice on running the event.
Categories
There are 4 categories for this year's painting competition.
• Small Model - Up to 54mm foot to eye 50mm base e.g. Space marine terminator, Seraphon Skink, Mounted Knight.
• Large Model - Any single miniature not in small, e.g. a giant, a tank or a Dragon.
• Squad - 3 or more models in a single cohesive unit/theme e.g. a Kill Team, a unit of Chaos Marauders, a Dungeons & Dragons adventuring party.
• Open - Anything that doesn’t fit in other categories e.g. Busts, Dioramas, Duels and some vehicles. This category will be the only category open to non-judging special guests.
This year, we are delighted to be able to offer a showcase table that will be available for painters to display models that they wish to share but do not want to submit to the painting competition, or for models that may be refused entry due to not meeting the entry requirements but that the painter would still like to show off.
Please note: The rules around Check-in, offensive content, and collection still apply. However, these models will not be judged as part of the competition.
Rules
A GriffCon Ticket is required to enter the Painting Competition.
1) Eligibility: The competition is open to all miniature painters, regardless of experience level; there is no restriction on model manufacturers.
2) Entry Requirements: Each participant may submit a maximum of one entry per category. The miniatures must be painted by the participant submitting them.
3) Size Requirements: as per category listings.
4) Submission Process: Entries must be submitted with a completed entry form by 11 am on Saturday at GriffCon. The entry form will be available on this website 2 weeks before the event. All entrants must complete the online form in advance of checking in their model. We recommend doing this before you travel to the Con. There will be no paper forms this year.
5) Damage to Models: GriffCon volunteers go out of their way to make sure that your model will not become damaged, and as such do not handle models unless unavoidable. Should your model become damaged, a GriffCon volunteer will do their best to find you and ask you to report to the Painting Competition desk to fix your model under the supervision of the Painting Competition Volunteer.
6) Judging Criteria: The miniatures will be judged based on technical skill, creativity and originality. Judges may also consider the overall presentation, including the use of bases and any additional props or scenery.
7) Prizes: To be Confirmed.
8) Judging Process: The judges will be experienced miniature painters and hobbyists evaluating the entries based on the established criteria. Judges may consult with each other to determine the winners.
9) Notification of Winners: The winners will be announced during the award ceremony on Saturday, August 16th, 2025.
10) Display of Entries: The entries may be displayed on the GriffCon website or social media pages, with the participant's name and any relevant information (such as the miniature's name or backstory). When you submit an entry, participants permit their entries to be displayed in this manner.
11) Nothing Offensive: We reserve the right to refuse entry should your model be considered offensive.
12) Model Collection: Please note that there are some rules around collection, and we reserve the right to refuse entry into subsequent competition should these not be followed.
Check-in process
All models will be photographed as part of the booking-in process, we therefore ask for your patience and consideration when checking in your model(s). Please wait behind the designated line until the previous person has completed checking in their model(s).
1. The participant’s details will be checked against the sign-up register.
2. The category for the model is confirmed by the Painting Competition Volunteer. This may include measuring models to make sure that they fit the category.
3. Model numbers are issued, and a token is issued.
4. The participant places the model in the photo booth
5. A photo of the Model and token is taken, with the token number visible.
6. Showcase photos of the model are taken without the token.
7. Participant to transfer the model to the display cabinet as directed by the volunteer
8. The model number plate will be placed in front of the mobile or the number will be written in paint marker on the glass in front of the model
9. The participant will keep the token with them until they collect their model.
Judging process
1. Judges' report on Painting Competition desk
2. Judges fill in the Judging form
3. Judges hand forms in to Check In
4. Scores are combined between judging forms for the same model.
5. Total score to be entered into the Participant list.
6. Once all scores are submitted, the list is to be sorted by category, then score.
7. The top three results from each category are to be made available, ready for the closing ceremony.
8. Results are to be kept confidential.
9. Judging forms are to be retained so that the judge's feedback can be given to the participants after the event. (depending on numbers, this may be by email or the paper forms)
Collection Process
Once judging has been completed, participants are welcome to collect their models. We aim to have judging completed by 3 pm; however, please understand that things do not always go as planned, and we recommend that you wait until after the closing ceremony.
1) They report to the painting competition desk.
2) Provide your token.
3) The volunteer asks them to confirm their name for verification.
4) Participants will be able to access the display case under the supervision of a GriffCon volunteer.
5) Please treat other participants' models with respect.
6) Collection time to be recorded in the participant list.
7) The GriffCon team will endeavour to get your model(s) back to you as quickly as possible.
Winners are asked to wait to collect their models so that further photos can be taken.